Every Year, Puerto Rico Rings in Summer With an All-day Beach Party and Midnight Swim

Every year on June 23, “Noche de San Juan” — the eve of the feast day for Saint John the Baptist — turns into a day-long celebration in Puerto Rico. Although the summer solstice occurs two days prior, it marks the true kick-off to summer for everyone on the island.

Saint John the Baptist feast day is celebrated in many countries around the world, including Denmark, Ireland, and Spain, but no one does it quite like Puerto Rico. The city of San Juan is named after the saint, and statues can be found throughout the island. For Puerto Ricans and tourists alike, this day celebrates the start of an exciting holiday season spent at the beach.

Early in the morning, you could feel “the calm before the storm”; the busiest streets of San Juan and Carolina were quiet compared to a typical day. But local beaches told a different story, as the party had already begun very early in the morning by the water thanks to the holiday falling on a Sunday this year.

Marisol Pesquera

Marisol walked the 6.5 miles of shoreline on Isla Verde Beach and Hobie Beach throughout the day to fully capture the crowds who visit for San Juan’s celebration.

Marisol Pesquera

Noche de San Juan is one of the busiest beach days in Puerto Rico. Beach-goers set up camp with barbecues for day-long cookouts, playing the sounds of salsa, merengue, and reggaeton music on loud speakers, and sipping on the beer of choice, Medalla.

Marisol Pesquera

The day begins as family and friends play Dominoes and practice beach sports.

Marisol Pesquera

Dogs are invited to join in on the fun, too.

Marisol Pesquera

Marisol Pesquera

This celebration is also about ridding life of negative energy with at least three backward plunges at the stroke of midnight — though some do 7 or 12 dives.

Marisol Pesquera

It is also one of the best beach days to surround yourself with friends and family, sharing food and drinks with your neighbors, and dancing.

Marisol Pesquera

As midnight approaches, the long day ends with splashing in the rejuvenating ocean.

Marisol Pesquera

Marisol Pesquera

After a full day at the beach, not everyone makes it until 12 a.m., but those who do wash away bad vibes and welcome a fresh beginning with good luck for the year to come.

Marisol Pesquera

Marisol Pesquera

Marisol Pesquera

Noche de San Juan ended with the moon peeking above buildings in the distance. This special celebration in the Caribbean waters is worth traveling for, especially if you are looking for a bit of luck. And who isn't?

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Every Year, Puerto Rico Rings in Summer With an All-day Beach Party and Midnight Swim

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